To celebrate their 75th anniversary, the Winton Players presented Oliver Twist at the Festival Hall.

With more than 50 characters, it gave actors of all ages and experience a chance to participate.

The fast-paced gritty drama is based on Charles Dickens’ novel from 1837. Set in Victorian London and its surroundings, abandoned children live by their wits on the streets, many falling prey to unscrupulous exploitation.

Jasper Hawes was an exceptional Oliver, and hopefully we will see more of him in future productions.

The outstanding cast also included cameos from Geoff Wootton as a ghoulish Mr Sowerberry, Sarah Whitaker as his equally unpleasant wife, and Anne Wheeldon as the shrewish Mrs Corney.

Ben Bedford’s portrayal of Monks, Oliver’s older brother, was a tour de force.

Emily Sefton Smith was a true-to-life Artful Dodger and Joff Lacey was a convincingly acquisitive and hen-pecked Mr Bumble the Beadle.

John Whitaker and Jack May gave outstanding and unsettling performances as the heartless and cruel duo Fagin and Bill Sikes, respectively.

They were more than ably supported by Kate Gardner as Nancy.

Technically challenging, the often dark and brooding music enhanced the mood of the play.

The production was ably directed by Roger Wettone. He was supported by an army of set builders and painters, sound and lighting experts, costume makers, stylists and makeup artists, front-of-house personnel and stage managers.

All in all, another great Winton Players performance.

Review by Amanda Bell